| dc.description.abstract | This research study aimed at investigating the effects of environmental education among secondary school students who have already gone through the primary school cycle of education. The investigation was particularly interested in finding out the current position of these youths in relation to the objectives of the study. This includes, the status of EE and , evaluation among secondary school students, the relationship between EE and conservation, lessons learnt from previous EE evaluation, sources of information on EE for the youth and investigation of the challenges that exist in EE and how to face them. The level of awareness about the current environmental issues affecting the world and Kenya in particular and their understanding of basic environmental concepts like conservation and management were also assessed.
The research study used a descriptive and empirical survey design because both qualitative and quantitative data was collected. Data were obtained by means of questionnaire, interview guides, observation schedules and content analysis of the various syllabuses and corresponding teachers' guides. The data was collected from selected schools and students in Nakuru town municipality. Random and purposive sampling was used to get the desired samples. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data. Secondary data was collected from documented information to support primary data. A total of three hundred and eighty five students in nineteen schools were included in the study using random sampling method. The data collected was processed, coded and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS).
The findings are presented using tables and content analysis. The study findings revealed that majority of the respondent's equivalent to 72.5% were in agreement that EE has to a large or moderate extent enhanced their knowledge and skills in environmental matters.65.l % of the respondents indicated that EE had to a large extent or moderate extent improved their ability to understand their surroundings. A large extent of 94.0% agreed that EE has had positive effect on them. 55.1% of the respondents indicated that EE has enabled them participate in conservation activities while 62% conceded that they are currently involved in conservation activities. This concluded that EE has had the desired effects to some extent.
The results will be useful to policy makers, curriculum developers, conservationists and other stake holders while making decisions on conservation and sustainable development for future generations. Overall, the study concluded that to some extent EE has had some positive impact on the respondents but much more needs to done to bridge the existing gaps. | en_US |
